Roses and thorns 9-12-2010

September 12, 2010 12:12:00 AM

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A rose to the Lowndes County jail for resuming its GED program for inmates after a 10-year hiatus. The jail graduated its first recent class of GED graduates in August. The program offers detainees a chance to further their education while incarcerated, so they can be productive citizens upon release. We commend the jail for offering the program and those who are taking advantage of it. Look for more on the program in Monday''s edition of The Dispatch.

A rose to the Starkville Tea Party for bringing 3rd District Congressional candidates Democrat Joel Gill and Incumbent Republican Gregg Harper to the Starkville Sportsplex for a town-hall Q&A session. Roses also go out to those who attended the event, allowing themselves the opportunity to make a more informed decision.

This weekend, the Tea Party also hosted a town hall meeting featuring local elected officials, a valuable opportunity for citizens to learn more about those who represent them and make decisions that directly impact their communities.

Roses to the Columbus City Council for the open and equitable management of its budgeting process. Facing declining revenues, the city has had to make some tough decisions. Throughout the process, the public has been invited to public meetings to weigh in. And while we hate to see funds cut to important nonprofits, we commend the city for its evenhandedness and transparency.

Roses to Brenda Caradine and volunteers and supporters of the Tennessee Williams Tribute and Tour of Victorian Homes, which brings tourists from near and far to the Friendly City. The events celebrate the life, works and accomplishments of the Pulitzer-prize winning playwright, whose life began in Columbus. Would-be Stanley Kowalskis honed their yelling skills Friday for a Stella Shouting Contest at Holly Hocks in downtown Columbus. For a full schedule of events, including plays, luncheons, scholarly lectures and more, visit cdispatch.com.

Roses to the city of Starkville for becoming a Main Street community. Through the Main Street program, cities get support from the state organization, which provides guidance for the creation of thriving downtowns. We look forward to seeing the already progressive city progress further through its distinction as a Main Street community.

Roses to The CPI Group and other sponsors and organizers of Friday''s Salute to Lowndes County''s Finest event, a special tribute to Columbus and Lowndes County''s first responders.

A bouquet of roses is due to police, deputies, marshals, state troopers, firefighters, military personnel, medics and all emergency responders their service and dedication.

They are too seldom recognized heroes who save lives and comfort victims, family members.